The time has come. Vibe coding is the new “thang” in the world of app development, and pretty much anyone can participate. Anyone can create disruptive apps in moments.

I’ve been pushing the narrative of platforms and low-code, no-code solutions for many years. This next phase is mind-bending.  Every day I encounter a new AI application that allows me to build full blown apps, in seconds, further honed, in minutes, production in a day or two.  My favorite example of this is the individual who recreated DocuSign from alpha to dev in three days and then released it for free. It essentially replicates or perhaps disrupts, a $16B company – start to finish in three days.  This is the way.

Introduction to Vibe Coding: A New Era in Software Development

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, a new trend has emerged that is revolutionizing the way we approach software development: vibe coding. Introduced by AI expert Andrej Karpathy in February 2025, vibe coding represents a paradigm shift in programming by leveraging AI tools to generate, refine, and debug code based on high-level instructions. This approach not only accelerates development but also makes coding more accessible to non-coders, opening doors to new possibilities in software creation.

Brief History of Vibe Coding

The concept of vibe coding was popularized by Andrej Karpathy, a co-founder of OpenAI and former AI leader at Tesla. Karpathy’s tweet about using AI to create software by simply describing what he wanted sparked widespread interest in this method. The term quickly gained traction and was listed in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as a “slang & trending” noun in March 2025.

How Vibe Coding Works

Vibe coding is built around the idea of using Large Language Models (LLMs) to generate code based on natural language prompts. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:

  1. Describe the Goal: Developers start by describing what they want to achieve in plain English. This could be anything from creating a web form to adjusting the layout of a webpage.
  2. AI Generates Code: The AI tool interprets the prompt and produces the initial code structure and implementation. This can include setting up a React app or modifying CSS styles.
  3. Refinement via Conversation: The developer iterates by prompting the AI to make adjustments. For example, asking the AI to change font styles or add interactive effects. No longer do I have to mess around with CSS!  If you don’t know what that is you are both lucky, and fortunate. Now you don’t have to.
  4. Automated Debugging: If errors occur, the AI can debug the code by analyzing error messages and making necessary changes. This process is often iterative, with the developer providing feedback until the desired outcome is achieved.
  5. Accept and Deploy: Once satisfied with the result, the developer integrates the final version into their project.

Impact on Non-Coders and Software Development

Vibe coding is particularly significant for non-coders, as it allows them to create software applications without needing to learn complex programming syntax. By describing their ideas in natural language, individuals can prototype applications that they previously couldn’t have built on their own. This accessibility opens up new opportunities for hobbyists, indie makers, and even startups looking to accelerate product development.

However, while vibe coding can produce functional applications quickly, serious projects often require manual tweaking to achieve the desired look and feel. This might involve refining the AI-generated code to ensure it meets specific design or functionality standards.

Conclusion

Vibe coding represents a revolutionary step in software development, making it easier for both new and experienced developers to create applications. As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more powerful tools to emerge, further democratizing access to coding and software creation. Whether you’re a seasoned programmer or just starting out, vibe coding offers an exciting new way to bring your ideas to life.

For more on the edge of technology, please feel to reach out here.